This is my second attempt at a Naruto fanfic. The other one I made sucked and the storyline was all messed up and going too fast. So I'll take it slow this time and make the chapters at least 4,000 words each (except this, which is only a prologue.) I do expect reviews, or the updating will stop and I'm serious. Now, Sasuke may be a bit OOC, but I had to make him like that for this because it is in fact, A ROMANCE! (Only a bit OOC [out of character] because I do not want to ruin it.)
Summary: Sakura cannot escape her feelings for the one man that hurt her the most. As she goes on a quest to help him with his revenge and bring him back home, Sasuke has a inner battle with his own feelings. Could love bloom or will Sakura get her heart broken again?
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
Main Pairing: Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno Genre: Romance/Humor (a bit angsty)
Minor Pairings: InoXSuigetsu, NarutoXHinata, NejiXTenten, ShikamaruXTemari, KarinXJuugo (- slight friendship)
Warning: Rated M for cursing. Lots of Karin bashing, I might add.
Another embarrassing warning: I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT NINJAS EAT, SO I PUT WHATEVER I CHOSE TO PUT. Bear with me.
Chapter 1: Depth of my Feelings~
It was a well-lit night in Konoha. The warm air, with a slight breeze now and then, made the village seem calm and serene. The streets were abandoned, as everyone were either asleep or getting ready to go to sleep. The night was as peaceful as can be. Or so it seemed...
A certain pink-haired kunoichi was clearly not asleep. In fact, she was packing a bag with medical supplies, food and weaponry. Sakura Haruno was going on a retrieval mission to get Sasuke Uchiha. Sakura gazed at the photo with Team 7, which she cherished greatly. She sniffled, and blinked back her tears, which were beginning to form. [Sakura thoughts: No, Sakura, you had better not start crying. Crying is a weakness.] She thought about all the things that happened up to that moment and unconsciously smiled. Even though Naruto had promised her he wouldn't let her down, he did and she was tired of sitting around letting other people solve her problems. For once, she won't play by the rules and screw the consequences. Her mission was actually pretty simple. To do whatever necessary to get Sasuke back. Although her mind told her that it was a lost cause, the unbearable dark void of loneliness in her heart was enough to want to get him back. After all, she knew she still loved him, no matter what he did to try to make her hate him.
The old Sakura was long gone. No more crying all the time, no more being a burden, no more being weak... That's why Sasuke left. He was tired of always saving her, she guessed. But Sasuke was always bent on revenge, and that day was no different. She had many questions and she would be damned if she didn't get those answers from him.
She could just hear the blazen that the Uchiha was back, only to get executed, which Sakura would never let happen. She'd take his place in a heartbeat. Sakura knew that in returning to Konoha, with Sasuke, he would go through a slow process of acculturation, but she promised to be there if she could, to make him feel at home and welcome again.
Sakura was now the leader of the ANBU black ops, a medic Nin training under the legendary Sannin and one of the strongest kunoichi in most villages. She now wore a black long sleeved tight v-neck, tight black shorts, her hair grew longer (even longer than before, reaching her lower back), which she kept in a long wavy ponytail most of the time, and her body changed as well with bigger breasts (mid C's) and a curvy body.
All the boys were always all chasing after her, but she always politely refused (with force if necessary). What people thought was an aura of mystery was really a mask of sadness. She was now 17 and she almost always had an emotionless face that only her friends could see through. Sure Sakura still smiled and laughed, but the fun part of her was a hollow shell, waiting for something, or perhaps, someone to melt away her cold heart.
Sakura got the rest of her stuff and prepared to leave. She didn't want to bother with goodbyes, as everyone would try to jeopardize her secret mission. She nearly chuckled in irony. (Just like Sasuke...) If she became a missing Nin, so be it. She knew her Shishou wouldn't be happy, but she knew that she would come back someday. Tsunade would be shocked when she found out, seeing as how many years of meritorious loyalty from Sakura was something she bragged about often.
She thought about how Naruto would feel. He would be crushed, but she knew it was now or never. From the day that Naruto came back hurt, she vowed to bring back Sasuke on her own. She knew it was selfish, but somehow she just knew that Naruto could never stay angry with her for long, no matter how much she hurt him.
When she returned to Konoha, she promise to herself that she would disabuse that Naruto was a failure, which he wasn't at all. If anyone was, she'd be the first candidate.
She also developed new jutsus, some of which she made up on her own and not from the Hokage. Her most dangerous one was Tengoku (Heaven). She rarely had to use it, because she was saving it for something important. Sakura nearly grimaced when she remembered the smile of approbation Tsunade had given her, not even a week ago, for being the model female shinobi in all of Konoha.
Through the open window, she could hear crickets chirping, streetlights brightening the otherwise dark village.
She walked down the streets of Konohagakure, her face discreet of what her true emotion was. Sakura enjoyed the nights more than the days, when it sometimes became too warm and sticky, especially in the summer.
She stealthily got out of the village, preparing to leave and she heard a voice behind her. "Wait, Sakura."
Sakura closed her sea green eyes and acknowledged bluntly, "What is it?", her voice carefully blank, almost in similarity to a certain Uchiha. She took a deep breath and turned around to see Ino, in her pajamas. If Ino was going to try and convince her to stay, she would have to knock her out. Ino was an onus on her plan and she couldn't afford that.
Ino asked, her eyes narrowing, "Where are you going, Sakura? In the middle of the night?" Sakura rolled her eyes and growled dangerously, in an advising tone, "It doesn't concern you, Ino, so go back to bed." Ino shook her head and scowled, her expression denoting disapproval, "You're going to look for Sasuke-kun, aren't you?" Sakura sighed dismissively, "Look, if you're going to tell Tsunade-shishou..."
Ino interrupted, the angry look dissolving off of her face, "How are you so sure I will do that? It wouldn't help, you would just leave again." Ino grinned and continued in advocacy, "Why would I do that when I could just help you?" Sakura stared at her, skeptical. Sakura repeated dully, "Help me? You would leave the village behind, just to come with me? I won't let you do that, Ino." Ino huffed, an obdurate expression blooming on her features, "Hey, I'm old enough to make my own decisions. And of course, I'm gonna choose to help you, forehead girl. You're my best friend. We can get him back...together."
(Ino's description/Age 17: Long hair (like in the series), upper C's, nice hourglass curves)
Ino added, "Besides, look what I've got." She grinned revealing Sakura some scrolls that she fitched. Sakura thought for a minute. [Sakura's thoughts: Well, I will need someone to help me in this mission and Ino may or may not be a useful asset.] Sakura nodded finally and accepted, "Alright, you can come." They stared at Ino's pajamas and Ino sweatdropped. "Uh, let's go to my house really quick so I can change." Sakura agreed and they went to Ino's house. Ino changed into a dark blue tank top, a black jacket, a black skort (skirt/shorts), and put her hair into a tight bun.
They both left the village and headed far away. "So, Sakura, what made you want to leave without telling anyone?" Ino questioned, as they raced through the forest. Sakura frowned, answering in a perpetually tired voice, "To get Sasuke. I'd rather not get into details." Ino joked, attempting to make light of the situation, "Right. Because you're the new female ice cube of Konoha." Sakura didn't say anything to that.
They both ran on in silence.
Sakura suddenly started and hesitated. Then she went ahead, "Ino, what about you and Shikamaru? Everyone will be worried-" Ino interrupted her. "Look, forehead, if I wasn't serious, I wouldn't have come. Now do you want my help, or would you rather be dragged back to Konoha?"
Sakura highly doubted she could, but nevertheless solemnly stated, "Okay, fine, I get it. But it might take months, maybe even years..."
Ino laughed, "I won't leave you alone. Oh and me and Shika? We decided to just stay friends. I told him to go for Temari." Sakura stopped and Ino froze. "Something wrong?" Ino uttered, her eyes darting in different directions.
Sakura informed her calmly, "No...we re almost at the Hidden Fire Country, so we're going to go to sleep, we're far enough that it'll take a while for any ANBU members to catch up to us for at least 3 hours. Then we'll go on." They set up a camp. Ino teased, "You think I'll find a cute guy to fall in love with on our quest for the infamous Uchiha?" Sakura smirked, and teased back tonelessly, "Maybe. But since you're so ugly, he'll probably fall for me." Ino's temple twitched. "Ugly? I'll have you know that I get plenty of guys fawning over me."
Sakura snorted. "Yeah, yeah, whatever, pig," she shook her head, putting the blanket over her head. Ino replied, "Whatever, I'm going to sleep, billboard."
They lied in the small tent together and drifted off to sleep.
Team Hebi were standing in a clearing deep in the forest. Behind them lied a dead Zetsu and barely conscious Sasuke. Suigetsu stretched and yawned, "Well, at least he's finally dead. I was starting to think Uchiha couldn't pull it off." Karin banged him in his head, while Sasuke bit her arm, taking some of her chakra and healing. "Of course my Sasuke-kun could defeat that monster. He's my hero," Karin scolded him sternly, at the same time beaming at Sasuke proudly. Suigetsu rolled his eyes and Juugo said nothing.
(Sasuke wore the same thing he wears in Naruto Shippuden)
Sasuke was fully healed, staring into the sky. "Oi, Sasuke, are we gonna go find Itachi and that Tobi guy, or just let them go?" Suigetsu asked gruffly, offering his hand to the dazed man.
Sasuke ignored him trying to help him up and got up himself. Karin gave Sasuke a bear hug. "You're okay, Sasuke-kun! I was beginning to think we lost you," Karin chortled happily.
Suigetsu groaned loudly and frowned, commenting, "Karin, you are such a whore." Karin exploded in anger, her face bright red, berating him, "Shut the hell up, Suigetsu, you fucking pansy. Mind your-" Sasuke growled, interrupting her and warned, "Let me go, Karin." Karin let go and smiled. "It's cute the way you say my name," she gushed in a sickly sweet way that made Suigetsu shudder and gag. Sasuke glowered, and said in a rough voice, "Whatever. Juugo, we are going after them." Juugo nodded in understanding. They set off to find him.
Sakura shot up when she sensed a presence. "Ino, get up, there's someone here," she whispered groggily, shaking Ino awake, as she had been awoken abruptly from her sleeping. "Ino" turned into a log. Sakura gave a shocked look and spotted Ino sitting on a branch, holding a kunai, with a disappointed look directed towards the rosette haired girl. "I was wondering when you were going to notice that someone was following us. Some kuniochi," Ino hissed, pursing her lips. "I was tired," Sakura grumbled in a pathetic attempt to defend herself.
Ino called out, "Whoever you are, we already know you're here so show yourself." A man came into view. "You sure are some smart little girls, aren't ya?" he mocked, arrogantly. Sakura instantly woke up fully and muttered, "Kisame..."
Kisame grinned in false cheerfulness, "The one and only! We gonna fight, or are you both gonna surrender?"
Ino informed him confidently, sticking out her tongue, "We're gonna kick your ass, if that's what you meant by fighting." Sakura appeared next to Ino. "The only reason I knew who you were is because you're the only Akatsuki member who resembles a fish. Did they let you join in case they ran out of food?" Sakura inquired, taunting him purposely.
Kisame's facial expression changed to a frown. "Cocky little brats. I'll take care of that." He vanished and reappeared behind Ino. Ino turned and kicked, but missed. Sakura jumped towards him and successfully punched him in his nose.
Kisame stumbled, and grabbed her arm, swinging her into a tree. Sakura jumped off the tree and used another chakra filled fist to punch him in his ribs, making Kisame fly into the ground. Kisame climbed out the hole and touched his ribs, smirking sadistically, "A mean hook. Time to get serious."
He pulled out his Samehada. Sakura chuckled dryly, "I was waiting for you to pull that out. Now it's a real fight." Ino ran at him and landed a kick in his jaw and Kisame grunted. Sakura jumped in his direction and Kisame swung his sword into her side. Sakura skidded to the ground and cried out. The sword chewed hungrily. Sakura suddenly felt her energy depleting.
Ino charged at him and Kisame punched her in her face. Ino growled, and fell into a nearby tree, breaking it into pieces. Sakura made 3 shadow clones and one ran directly at Kisame, the other went behind Kisame and the real Sakura came from the sky. She pulled out star shaped kunai's and one hit Kisame in his eye. Ino took this moment to trip him and Kisame fell to the ground. He hit Sakura with the Samehada repeatedly, making Sakura scream out in pain, rapidly depleting her chakra. Kisame rolled across the ground and threw many kunai s at her. Sakura dodged all but one, which lodged itself into her thigh. Sakura gritted her teeth heatedly and punched him in his head as hard as she could, splitting his skull. Ino plunged a kunai into his chest and checked his pulse to make sure he was dead. He was.
Ino turned to Sakura, who was breathing heavily. Sakura's body burned from the severe pain and she struggled to stay conscious so she could heal herself. Ino's eyes widened in alarm and she ran to Sakura's side. "Sakura? Sakura?" Ino screeched as Sakura's eyes glazed over. Sakura's world was engulfed in darkness.
Ino immediately started healing Sakura. Sakura had a broken leg, a fractured arm, a bruise on her waist and a bleeding thigh. Ino had a bruise on her back and scrapes on her arms and legs, and a bruised cheek, nothing serious. Ino managed to stop the bleeding from Sakura's thigh. [Ino's thoughts: That's gonna leave an ugly scar.] She healed Sakura's bruise. Sakura was still badly hurt, so Ino lifted her onto her back. She grunted and started walking towards Fire Country. 45 minutes later, Ino continued on, muttering something about retarded fish people and fat pink haired girls. (Don't get me wrong, this fanfic is all about Sakura, but Ino deserves some time.)
Someone had watched the whole fight. [Sakura Haruno. She'll be a very important piece in my plan...]
Sasuke stopped running suddenly. [Those chakra's...] Karin asked uneasily, "Something the matter, Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke ignored her and noticed one of the chakras were diminishing slowly. With a sigh of irritation, he shook his head and ran towards the familiar chakras. Suigetsu questioned, in an easy tone, "Think we should follow him?" Juugo noted quietly, "He's the leader," as Karin yelled a 'Of course!' They trailed after him.
Ino shook her head as if to stop herself from falling asleep. She noticed Sakura still hadn't woke up and tried to keep walking. [She's gotten so heavy. And I'M the pig?] Ino got about 3 more feet, but felt multiple chakras's headed her way, approaching quickly. "Damn..." she muttered.
She looked behind her and saw Sasuke standing behind her. Ino raised one brow and inquired cautiously, "Sasuke-kun?" Karin scoffed and frowned, with a air of hatred towards the unknown female, "Sasuke, you know her?" Karin looked at the girl standing before them and she was gorgeous, not that Karin would say so out loud. If she liked Sasuke (or possibly be his ex girlfriend), Karin would never have a chance.
Sasuke paid Karin no attention as always and probed, his face betraying no emotion, "Yamanaka. What are you and her doing here?" Sasuke had a haughty stance, as expected from an Uchiha, his presence seemingly prerogative. It seemed like aeons since he'd seen the two.
Ino groaned exasperatedly, setting Sakura down, "We came to get you. But since you're already came to us, help Sakura." Sasuke raised an eyebrow and declined harshly, "No. Go home, Yamanaka, and take her with you."
Ino's temper flared. "What the hell do you mean, her? She has a fucking name. So call her by her name. Plus if she doesn't get help, we'll never get home because I can't protect the both of us." she explained, clenching her fists.
Sasuke informed her boredly, "Che. Not my problem. It doesn't matter. You can't beat me and neither can she. So get lost, Ino." Ino put her hands on her hips and told him defiantly, with a bit of smugness, "I might not be able to, but Sakura can. Say hello to the leader of ANBU, trained under one of the legendary Sannin and on the verge of being a Sannin herself. She's the most erudite shinobi in Konoha. Oh and we both just killed Kisame." Sasuke had thought he had seen a dead body on his way here.
Sasuke was slightly impressed, not only at what Ino told him, but how Ino was clearly not in love with him since she was being so forward, but he didn't show it. It would take some getting used to, not that he was going to see her again.
On the other hand, Suigetsu was a little bothered that some little girls killed Kisame before he could, but just chuckled. Sasuke reprimanded Suigetsu offhandedly, "Quiet, Suigetsu. They got themselves into this mess. How stupid," yet his voice was deeper and more mature.
"So, Sasuke, are you going to help the ladies or not?" Juugo spoke up, halfheartedly. Ino's voice lowered. "And she knows where the Akatsuki hideout is and alot about the members," Ino baited him warily, looking at Sakura, who's face had begun to twist to a pained expression.
Suigetsu exclaimed, in a flat tone, "Well, that's enough for me. I say they should come with us." Karin gaped in revulsion, I disagree. Who needs them, they're just two horny bitches, who're lying for attention." Ino coughed and laughed tonelessly, "Excuse me, honey, but you're the one who's all over Uchiha, who looks like he doesn't give a damn about you. So shut it, groupie." Karin's face turned red in anger.
Suigetsu found Ino to be refreshing so far, compared to Karin. The moment he laid eyes on her, her scintillating beauty enthralled him. But that winsome smile definitely intrigued him the most. He truly was bothered and tired of Karin's ostentatious attitude.
Sasuke frowned darkly, "Fine. You two can come. But if you're lying, I won't hesitate to kill the both of you." Ino said in a humdrum tone, ignoring the threat, "Yeah, yeah, can we move this along, Sakura is in pain here." Ino mentally cheered for managing to cajole Sasuke into letting them come.
Ino bent over to pick up Sakura and groaned in pain from the back injury. Sasuke scowled and picked up Sakura, bridal style. She was not unwieldy, in fact, she was surprisingly light.
After Suigetsu got Kisame's sword and buried it, he stood in front of Ino and winked, "Come on, sweetheart, you're coming with us obviously." Suigetsu was aestetic, to an extent, and planned on keeping Ino around for as long as possible.
Ino blushed modestly and walked with him. Karin huffed and Juugo followed after the others. Karin frowned and followed after everyone.
Sasuke stared at Sakura, who was calming down and regaining her color. She was a sight to see, very beautiful, but that was the least of Sasuke's concerns. If she really knew where the Akatsuki were, he'd be one step closer to killing Itachi once and for all. Sakura shifted in his arms, snuggling up to him and Sasuke resisted the urge to drop her in distaste. He didn't want that swift action to worsen the situation.
He didn't like being touched involuntarily. It made his emotions resurface and he couldn't have that. He decided that having those two around wouldn't change a thing.
Well, how was THAT for a prologue? I am happy I finally finished it, and with over 3,000 words. So yeah, review or no updatey. Ja ne.
